The case of one of the largest criminal organizations was solved by the Extortion Prosecution Department of Attica Security, after an investigation that lasted about two years. Victims of the mafia-gang are 87, while the turnover from the gang’s illegal activities is estimated to be hundreds of thousands of euros.
According to information so far, about 67 people have been identified as involved in the case, including a relative of a police officer, while the role of at least five active police officers is also being examined, reports state-run news agency amna.
According to website newsit.gr, one of the suspects is father of a police officer.
Citing sources, protothema reports that the police officers had access to the EL.AS Online system, from which they gathered information which they gave to the gang’s “big boss”. He even had close cooperation with a group of body guards in order to protect them.
The Internal Affairs Service of Greek Police has reportedly also been informed about the involvement of police officers.
Investigation was reportedly initiated by order of a prosecutor following a complaint by a businessman in the city of Ioannina, Epirus western Greece, initially concerned a case of fraud. However, other serious crimes emerged, such as gang activity, usury, extortion, weapons, drugs and money laundering.
According to state broadcaster ERT, the gang fraud method was to promise real estate investments.
Another activity was to lend money and to beat the borrowers if they refused or were delayed in the repayment.
According to protothema, among the over 80 victims are also businessmen and shipowners,
One of the mafia gang suspects died during the investigation that lasted two years.
The case file was handed over by the Extortion Prosecution Department to the competent prosecutor on Holy Monday.
The first arrest warrants are expected soon.
